COCO CHANEL BY DON HATFIELD

''SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY'

I read the book and was fairly disturbed by what I read, and the, behold, I was asked by a friend to do a portrait of  Coco in exchange for an electric piano for my kids--so--what the heck!
An old flat photo was my reference, but I added the cigarette smoke and the torso--I think it works.

Hatfield Cove Scene

This 36by48 in painting was a commission from a retired naval officer.  He wanted something done in classic Hatfield style that was reminiscent of his three children--two girls, one boy, with dad.  He was not concerned about likeness but wanted the relative sizes to be accurate--all of which made this painting very difficult.  I used about 6 pieces of reference material and completely made up the rocks and water and sky.   When it scanned my printer said it was one of my best--made my afternoon.  The family liked it so all is well.

I am sorta stuck in commission ville, but it keeps me in the paint and in the money.  I am pinned with hugh expenses for my kids and I love meeting the responsibility with my art--God's great gift for times like this.  Maybe someday I will do a painting without hearing voices from clients--if I never do--that's OK--but a dear friend said to me the other day"....Don, your best stuff is ahead of you, and you will get to it."

So far it looks like my Summer workshop in Harbor Springs is not going to make it--not enough interest.  People are sick of me and my work.  But I know Donald Trump will save me!  We are keeping the offering open just in case for a few more days--so if you are interested call me at 707-815-5790 or Julia McGrath at (248) 842-8656.

20-20 is airing their treatment of Rachel's story on June 10.  Check for local times.

Down the Road--Don

BEACH PORTRAIT

Just finished this very difficult painting.  It's 36X40 and provided all of the problems of creating likeness, effect of light, composition, atmosphere and a few other things.  One hears many voices doing these commissions--all of which drive me crazy!  Anyway,  I am happy for the work.  I know I can count on Donald Trump to help me.  How do ya like me now?  See ya down the road.  DonI AM DOING A WORKSHOP IN HARBOR SPRINGS, MICHIGAN FROM THURSDAY,  JULY 28 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 31.  CALL JULIA MCGRATH AT 248-842-8656 OR EMAIL:  juliaswatercolors@gmail.com for details  HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT--THIS IS THE 4TH YEAR AND THEY ARE FUN.  YOU CAN CALL ME AT 707-815-5790 ALSO.

Don Hatfield's Destiny

www.nbcnews.com/video/dateline/57146601

Improved Version

34by30 Mother With Child

I went back into this to try and "fix" it.

WAITING TO SEE THOSE I LOVE

My niece, Cathy, dug this pic up.  I had never seen it--my Brother, Harold (SC footballer), my Mom (rt), and my Aunt Ruth in the early 60's.  I wept at this one!  Almost all of my dear family, many friends, and acquaintances are gone now.  How I miss them.  Will I see them again?  Does death shut the door forever?  Does the grave have the last word?  Death is an enemy, and no words can make it a friend--certainly, but thanks be to God that His Dear Son defeated death, hell and the grave, and that every knee will one day bow and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.  A new heaven and a new earth is what I am waiting for--no more tears, fear, separation, or misery.  I have this strange assignment for the duration of my life--that of raising my dear daughter's three orphaned children.  I never envisioned this, but I am beginning to feel like I was created for this task, and that my whole life prior to this time was preparation. So...in God's economy one never knows what he will be summoned to do.

I think of Moses--had it all, screwed up, was run off for 50 years or so--then God gave him something really interesting to do.  So for all of you half--assed christians out there--get ready!  God's love will find you at some point and  give you something interesting to do--guaranteed!  Don't worry you will love it.  Talk to ya down the road.  Don

Babe in Arms

Did this for the son of an old collector